Urgent Care DONT's

a few reminders from one who should know better

5. Don't get sick during the holidays or wait until after 5pm to seek medical attention. Clearly a bad choice given that most physicians are in Hawaii playing golf. Wait times are usually 3-4 times the norm.

4. When asking the receptionist for a waiting area with no light or sound, gently remind her this includes the exam room closest to the lobby. Every five to ten minutes you'll enjoy the pleasure of hearing the next patient's name called (loudly) and also the story they choose to tell the triage nurse.

3. Always remember the date of your last period. If you don't recall, check a calendar before you say " I dunno" and have to take a pregnancy test....just "to be sure."

2. Avoid wearing collegiate attire, especially "Oklahoma football" sweatshirts...Never fails in southern California, the degree on the wall and other patients in the lobby are not from your neck of the woods!

1. Make a point to have a list of snappy comebacks for every time someone asks, how can I help you today?